Fetal Copeptin After Oxytocin Challenge Test

The purpose of this study is to determine fetal copeptin in newborns delivered by C-section to mothers who had an oxytocin challenge test (OCT) just prior to birth as compared to those without OCT.

Protocol: Pregnant women at term are eligible to participate if no uterine contractions are reported within the last 24 hours and no contractions are recorded in cardiotocogram over 30 minutes. Further inclusion and exclusion criteria see below. After written informed consent, all participants get an infusion line and participants receive OCT or placebo. The OCT is standardized as follows: 5 IE Syntocinon (oxytocin) in 500 mL Ringer, infusion rate begins with 12 ml/h and is increased by steps of additional 12 ml/h until three contractions within ten minutes are recorded. Subsequently, infusion is stopped. The placebo is Ringer infusion without Syntocinon. C-section is done about 1 to 3 hours after OCT or placebo and arterial umbilical cord blood is collected at birth. Maternal and newborn data are recorded within the first few days after birth, including maternal blood loss, neonatal adaptation, and postnatal weight loss.